The art of the zoo extends beyond the animals and exhibits, showcasing creativity in many forms. If you’re a regular visitor, you’ve likely noticed that the zoo is not only home to hundreds of animals but also features breathtaking art installations nestled across its 53 beautifully landscaped acres. While many visitors come to see the diverse wildlife, from the siamangs and rhinos to crocodiles, sloths, and tigers, the true art of the zoo lies in the carefully designed exhibits and sculptures that enhance every visit.
A trip to the zoo isn’t complete without enjoying a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, shopping at the gift store, and, of course, snapping a few memorable photos. Visitors love to share their zoo experiences on social media with the hashtag #VirginiaZoo, and we are always thrilled to see the unique perspectives of our guests. But have you ever wondered what the most photographed attraction is? While animals like the giraffes or tigers are popular, there’s something even more captivating that catches the eye of visitors…
The Zoo’s Art: Sculptures and Statues
The most photographed features at the zoo aren’t the animals but the art of the zoo – its eight iconic statues and sculptures. These artistic installations have captured the attention of young and old alike, providing the perfect backdrop for lasting memories. Below, we explore some of the most beloved works of art within the zoo.
All Things Within All Things
One of the most photographed pieces of the art of the zoo is a life-sized elephant sculpture, created by artist Matthew Gray Palmer. This stunning work is constructed from over 6,000 aluminum butterflies, symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature’s largest mammals with one of its most delicate creatures. The sculpture, which features butterflies shaped like elephants, is situated at the zoo’s entrance, welcoming visitors with its intricate beauty since its installation in January 2010.
The Norfolk Mermaid
Another key piece of the art of the zoo is the Norfolk Mermaid. First introduced in 1999 as part of a citywide project, this statue was adopted by the zoo and transformed into a tiger-like mermaid in 2012, thanks to the work of artist Sam Welty. Visitors can spot this unique mermaid near the parking lot, just to the left of the zoo’s entrance. It stands as a symbol of the zoo’s connection to the local community and is a must-see for art and animal lovers alike.
The Zoo Plaza: A Hidden Gem of Art
The art of the zoo is further reflected in the design of the zoo’s plaza, which greets visitors upon arrival. At the heart of the plaza is the Kugel Ball, a 20,000-pound solid marble sphere that rests and rotates on a thin layer of water. Engraved with a map of the world, this interactive sculpture fascinates both children and adults, making it one of the most popular photo spots.
Surrounding the Kugel Ball are fountains, which serve as splash pads in the summer and add to the relaxing ambiance. What many guests don’t realize is that the entire plaza itself is a giant compass, with its layout guiding visitors toward different directions. The plaza stands as a perfect example of how the art of the zoo integrates beauty with functionality.
The Art of the Zoo: Sculptures and Statues
The art of the zoo goes beyond the animals; it’s also expressed through the incredible sculptures and statues that grace the grounds. These pieces not only offer aesthetic beauty but also tell important stories related to the zoo’s conservation efforts, history, and the animals themselves. Visitors love snapping photos with these unique works of art, making them a cherished part of the zoo experience. Let’s explore some of the key sculptures and how they contribute to the art of the zoo.
Snavely: The Rhinoceros Viper Sculpture
One of the newest additions to the art of the zoo, “Snavely” is a 67-foot-long Rhinoceros viper sculpture that also doubles as a fun children’s play structure. Installed in May 2018, this massive snake is made of reinforced fiberglass and weighs nearly 9,000 pounds. Thanks to a generous donation from the Goode Family, Snavely earned his name and now resides in a shady area near the World of Reptiles and Friends, where you can spot the real-life snakes that inspired this sculpture. It’s a perfect photo opportunity, blending art with playfulness.
Asia – Trail of the Tiger Statue
The story behind the tiger statue on the Asia – Trail of the Tiger is one of resilience and remembrance, further enriching the art of the zoo. In 1992, two Siberian tiger cubs, Shere Khan and Shaka Khan, were rescued from the illegal pet trade and housed at the zoo. After living out their lives in safety, the sisters passed away from cancer complications. Their legacy is honored with a beautiful tiger statue and fountains at the entrance of the Asia-Trail of the Tiger exhibit. This statue, completed in 2011, stands as a tribute to these magnificent creatures and the zoo’s role in wildlife conservation.
The Tortoise Statue
The beloved tortoise statue is a favorite among visitors who appreciate the art of the zoo. Once positioned near the World of Reptiles, it now has a new home next to the Aldabra tortoise barn. Here, you can see the zoo’s five Aldabra tortoises lounging in the sun, enjoying leaves, or snuggling together during cooler weather. After admiring these ancient reptiles, don’t forget to snap a picture with the tortoise statue—it’s the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.
The Rhino Statue
The rhino statue is another gem within the art of the zoo. Formerly located near the tortoise barn, it has since been moved to a spot across from the White rhino yard in the Africa-Okavango Delta area. This bronze statue has long been a cherished photo opportunity for visitors. Be sure to stop by or take a picture during your next zoo trip!
The Giraffe Statue
In 2018, the zoo sought proposals from local artists to give its beloved giraffe statue a new look, demonstrating the evolving nature of the art of the zoo. Originally donated to the zoo many years ago, this life-size 18-foot-tall giraffe was recently repainted by local artist Kimberly Ann Jones. The vibrant new version of this iconic statue will make its grand debut in early 2019. Visitors can look forward to an exciting new addition to their zoo experience, perfect for photo ops with one of the tallest statues on site.
Share Your Art of the Zoo Experience
Have you taken a picture with any of the zoo’s sculptures and statues? Whether it’s Snavely, the tiger statue, or the rhino, the art of the zoo plays a key role in creating memorable moments for visitors. Don’t forget to share your experiences and photos on social media using #VirginiaZoo, and let us see how the zoo’s art has enhanced your visit.
A Mystery at the Zoo: Uncovering the Okapi’s Stress
The art of the zoo often lies in the delicate balance between animal care, science, and the natural world. This was never more evident than when the Dallas Zoo faced a puzzling problem: their okapi had suddenly stopped breeding. Intrigued by the challenge, scientists turned to volunteers to help unravel the mystery.
One of those volunteers, Calisi Rodríguez, jumped at the chance, captivated by the thought of working with such an exotic creature as the okapi. But instead of petting the okapi’s velvety fur, her role was far less glamorous.
“They handed me a stick with a cup attached and told me, ‘Every time it relieves itself, we need you to collect the urine,’” Calisi Rodríguez recalls. Her task was to collect samples and rush them to the lab, where scientists would analyze them in hopes of uncovering the cause behind the breeding issue.
The Stress Signal: Cortisol Levels in Okapi Urine
The analysis revealed elevated levels of cortisol in the okapi urine—a clear sign the animals were under stress. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body manage energy during stressful situations, but prolonged high levels can negatively impact various bodily systems, including reproduction. This could explain why the zoo’s okapis were not breeding.
But why were the okapis stressed? The answer to this mystery lay in something far from the animals themselves.
A New Manure System: The Source of Stress
Around the same time the breeding stopped, the zoo had installed a new manure handling system—a conveyor belt mechanism that transported manure away from the holding pens. This system, though efficient, was sending subtle vibrations across the zoo.
Given how sensitive okapis are, the scientists hypothesized that these vibrations might be stressing the animals. As a result, the zoo decided to shut off the manure system. Soon after, the okapis’ cortisol levels dropped, and the animals resumed breeding. It was a breakthrough moment for the team—a clear instance of how the art of the zoo includes understanding how environmental changes can affect animal behavior.
The “Aha!” Moment for Calisi Rodríguez
For Calisi Rodríguez, this moment was life-changing. “I felt like Dr. Dolittle,” she said, reflecting on how the okapis had “spoken” through their hormones, alerting them to the source of their stress. This experience sparked a newfound passion for uncovering the natural world’s hidden mysteries.
Rodríguez went on to earn an M.S. In biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. in integrative biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout her scientific journey, she never abandoned her artistic background, firmly believing that the art of the zoo and scientific exploration go hand in hand.
From Dallas Zoo to UC Davis: A Career in Science
Calisi Rodríguez’s career took off, with her research focusing on how stress and environmental factors impact animal reproduction. She now uses pigeons as a model organism to study biological processes similar to those in all vertebrates, including humans. Her journey from collecting okapi urine at the zoo to leading scientific research reflects the intricate art of the zoo—the art of understanding, adapting, and fostering life in a way that bridges the gap between nature and human intervention.
Today, Rodríguez continues to explore the delicate relationship between stress and reproduction, a direct continuation of the mystery solved at the Dallas Zoo. Her work is a testament to the art of the zoo, where even the smallest changes in environment or technology can have a profound impact on the creatures that live there.
Conclusion
The art of the zoo encompasses much more than the animals and exhibits. It extends to breathtaking sculptures, statues, and the subtle balance between animal care, science, and the natural environment. From iconic installations like “All Things Within All Things” to heartwarming stories like that of the okapi, the zoo’s art is not just visual but also scientific, focusing on animal welfare and conservation. The fascinating blend of creative expression and environmental understanding enriches the visitor experience while playing a crucial role in animal conservation efforts. Each piece of art, whether it’s a sculpture or a scientific discovery, contributes to the intricate tapestry that makes a zoo not just a home for animals but a sanctuary for creativity and knowledge.
FAQs
1. What is the most photographed sculpture at the zoo? One of the most photographed sculptures at the zoo is “All Things Within All Things,” a life-sized elephant made from over 6,000 aluminum butterflies. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of nature and has been a visitor favorite since its installation in 2010.
2. Where can I find the Norfolk Mermaid statue? The Norfolk Mermaid statue is located near the parking lot, just to the left of the zoo’s entrance. Originally introduced in 1999, the mermaid was transformed into a tiger-mermaid by artist Sam Welty in 2012.
3. What is the Kugel Ball, and where is it located? The Kugel Ball is a 20,000-pound solid marble sphere that rotates on a thin layer of water and is engraved with a map of the world. It is located at the heart of the zoo’s plaza, making it a popular interactive sculpture for both children and adults.
4. What is the mystery of the okapi’s stress at the Dallas Zoo? Scientists discovered that elevated cortisol levels in the okapi’s urine indicated stress caused by a newly installed manure system. The vibrations from this system affected the sensitive okapi, preventing them from breeding. After shutting down the system, cortisol levels dropped, and breeding resumed.
5. How does the art of the zoo contribute to animal welfare? The art of the zoo includes sculptures that celebrate conservation efforts and scientific exploration that improves animal care. The story of the okapi’s stress at the Dallas Zoo shows how understanding environmental factors plays a crucial role in animal welfare, blending scientific research with animal husbandry.
